Kazakhstan Expands Preferential Lending Programs for Livestock Farmers

Kazakhstan has launched new preferential financing programs for the livestock sector. As part of the Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan, a new concessional loan product, “Zhailau,” has been introduced to support the development of pasture-based livestock farming and strengthen the country's food security.

The “Zhailau” program provides financing for the establishment of new livestock farms with at least 300 head of cattle or 1,000 head of small ruminants. The program is expected to strengthen the sector’s production infrastructure, increase livestock production, and create additional jobs in rural areas.

Under the program, the annual interest rate does not exceed 6%, the loan term is up to 10 years, and financing amounts are available up to KZT 350 million for cattle breeding projects and up to KZT 200 million for small ruminant breeding projects.

At the same time, preferential financing has been expanded under the “Igilik,” “Bereke,” and “Working Capital Replenishment” programs.

The support now covers not only cattle farming but also sheep breeding, horse breeding, camel breeding, beekeeping, pig farming, and maral deer farming.

The “Igilik” and “Bereke” programs are aimed at supporting agricultural producers by financing the purchase of highly productive pedigree livestock. These measures are expected to increase livestock numbers, improve the genetic potential of herds, and enhance productivity and efficiency in livestock production.

Under the “Igilik” program, financing is available for the purchase of imported cattle from 100 head or imported small ruminants from 500 head, as well as imported or domestically bred pedigree horses, camels, pigs, bees, and maral deer. The annual interest rate does not exceed 6%, and the loan term is up to seven years.

The “Bereke” program finances the purchase of imported cattle from 500 head or imported small ruminants from 1,000 head. Loans are provided at an annual interest rate of no more than 6% for up to seven years.

Depending on the financing direction and the type of livestock purchased, borrowers are eligible for a grace period on principal and interest repayments ranging from 12 to 30 months.

The “Working Capital Replenishment” program finances the purchase of feed and feed additives, fuel and lubricants, veterinary medicines, spare parts for feed preparation and feed distribution machinery and equipment, as well as employee wages.

The main terms include an annual interest rate of no more than 5% and a loan term of up to 12 months.

Financing channels have also been expanded through the involvement of regional Social and Entrepreneurial Corporations.

Agricultural producers can obtain detailed information about participation in the preferential lending programs from regional branches of the Agrarian Credit Corporation JSC and regional Social and Entrepreneurial Corporations under regional administrations.